Discover biostatistics at the University of Sydney
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Find out more.The University is ranked third in Australia and 35th in the world for public health in the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities.
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This course is available to be studied in several different study modes, including online or face-to-face. Check study modes offered in the 'course details’ section below.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of the face-to-face version of this course, and this will be available for students to study face-to-face or remotely in 2022. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine and public health.
Biostatisticians play an essential role in designing research studies, managing and analysing data, interpreting the results, as well as developing new approaches and methods to analysing data.
Biostatistics can be used to show the most effective treatment, discover or isolate factors in the spread of diseases, or determine risk factors in genetic inheritance and mutation.
At the completion of this course, you will be qualified as a professional biostatistician.
Our programs are designed to provide advanced biostatistical training for a diverse range of students. The program is suitable for someone who has:
The program includes units designed to provide the background in mathematical and statistical theory to those without a first degree in mathematics or statistics, whereas the compulsory unit in epidemiology introduces those unfamiliar with research in population health to critical appraisal of the health and medical literature.
There are no specialisations available for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Continuing students enrolled in the Biostatistics Program are eligible for the Judy Simpson Biostatistics Scholarship, based on academic excellence. Check the Scholarships website or contact the Scholarships Office directly for more information.
We’ve relaunched our scholarships program and offer a variety of postgraduate coursework scholarships for both domestic and international students.
Continuing students enrolled in the Biostatistics Program are eligible for the Judy Simpson Biostatistics Scholarship, based on academic excellence. Check the Scholarships website or contact the Scholarships Office directly for more information.
Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply. Please check the relevant website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
International Students are able to apply for this degree, however it is not open to ESOS visa holders. The course is open to international passport holders in Australia on working visas and for offshore students.
Overseas applicants may apply directly to the University.
*As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
As an off-shore international student, you will be studying for your degree in your own country.
It is not possible to complete these courses as an international student in Australia unless you have a work visa. Off-shore international students are not accepted directly into the Masters degree, but may apply for the Graduate Diploma. You may then upgrade to the Masters when eligible if suitable arrangements can be made for supervision of the workplace project(s).
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply. Please check the relevant website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
View a suggested Biostatistics course structure (pdf, 70KB).
The biostatistics program is offered at three award levels: graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree. Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The Master of Biostatistics consists of 72 credit points worth of study. Core units for the master’s program include: Epidemiology, Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics, Data Management and Statistical Computing, Principles of Statistical Inference, Regression Modelling for Biostatistics 1, Regression Modelling for Biostatistics 2, and the Biostatistics Research Project. Some students may be eligible for waivers of foundational units if they have equivalent prior study, leaving room for additional elective units of study.
The biostatistics coursework units of study delivered as part of the BCA are fully online. Core units are offered in both semesters. Some general elective units may not be available for online study. Similarly, the Biostatistics Research Project (BSTA5020 and BSTA5021) is a supervision-based unit which aims to give students practical experience, usually in workplace settings, in the application of knowledge and skills learnt during the coursework of the master’s program.
A complete list of available units of study with their pre-requisites and co-requisites is available from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook.
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Biostatistics will:
(a) hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, science, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, economics, health sciences or other appropriate discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) have an aptitude for advanced mathematical work - indicated, for example, by a high level of achievement in high school or undergraduate mathematics.
As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA). This is a supplementary form required in the admissions process.
Assumed knowledge
It is assumed that students enrolling in the biostatistics program have a sound knowledge of advanced mathematical concepts. Students should be familiar and comfortable with the topics of algebra, functions and graphs, absolute values, exponents and logarithms, sigma notation, solving inequalities and simultaneous equations, and polynomials. It is not assumed that students have completed formal studies in the calculus techniques of differentiation and integration, matrix algebra, or probability theory, as these will be covered in the foundation unit Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics (BSTA5100).
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
The program is fully accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia. Students who graduate from the program with a master’s or graduate diploma will, on joining the Statistical Society of Australia, be eligible to apply for accreditation as a graduate statistician.
The Master of Biostatistics will provide you with advanced biostatistical training ensuring that you are well placed to obtain employment in a wide range of health, pharmaceutical, university, government and non-government organisations. If you are already working as a biostatistician, then study at postgraduate level will enhance your career development opportunities.
Katrina's career timeline
| 2019 | Lecturer in Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2019 | Biostatistician Centre for Kidney Research, Westmead |
| 2019 | Master of Biostatistics University of Sydney |
| 2017 | Biostatistics Trainee NSW Ministry of Health |
| 2013 | Animal Care Officer University of NSW |
| 2008 | Senior Research Assistant University of Oxford |
| 2016 | Research Assistant Garvan Institute of Medical Research |
| 2002 | Bachelor of Medical Science, Honours University of Sydney |
